SAVE OUR PUBS CAMPAIGN TO BE LAUNCHED

West Midlands MEPs James Carver and Bill Etheridge are to launch a major Save Our Pubs campaign following news that the future of a number of local hostelries has been plunged into uncertainty.

UKIP MEP James Carver, says the loss of financially viable pubs, would be bitter blows for the communities they serve.

Earlier this week Mr Carver welcomed news that planning chiefs at Dudley Council had rejected plans to turn the popular Gigmill Pub into a convenience store.

But, now the futures of a string of other local pubs could be affected by plans – including The Hare and Hounds in Wollescote and The Bird in Hand in Oldswinford.

One such plan – the creation of a retail outlet – would see last orders called on The Bird in Hand.

Mr Carver, West Midlands MEP Bill Etheridge and fellow local UKIP party activists, are set to launch a major Save Our Pubs campaign.

As part of the initiative, thousands of Save Our Pubs leaflets, calling for the preservation of financially viable public houses, will be distributed.

Commenting on the issue today, Mr Carver, said: “It is great news that planners have rejected the plans for the Gigmill. It is a popular pub and serves the local community well.

“I am, however, deeply concerned by moves to create a string of Co-operative stores on the car parks of pubs such as the Old Court House Hotel in Kingswinford and the Hare And Hounds in Wollescote.

“The bulldozing of the Bird in Hand would be a major, bitter blow for the area. Our Save Our Pubs campaign will send out the message that UKIP will continue to support financially viable locals – as we have demonstrated in the case of the Seven Stars in Sedgley.”

Bill Etheridge MEP, said: “Over the last couple of years along the West Midlands has witnessed the loss of hundreds of local pubs.

“It is time to put local communities before profit. I call on people to join our Save Our Pubs campaign.”